September 26, 2017. Male wildebeest are also known as "clowns of savanna" because of the weird behavior during mating season. During migration, wildebeests travel between 500 and 1000 miles. Taxonomy. Wildebeest live in herds of anywhere from 10 to hundreds of thuosands individuals during migration. Interesting Wildebeest Facts Wildebeest are large African antelopes and belong to the Bovidae family. The Great Migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,00 zebra and a host of other antelope travelling cross country. Please click on this logo for more information on TMTProtects.me financial protection, General EnquiriesAdvertisingEditorsTravel with usCEO. Main predators of wildebeest are lions, hyenas, cheetahs and African wild dogs. Fun Fact #1: Wildebeest are Playful and Intelligent Animals Wildebeest are one of the bravest animals in Africa. With its front-heavy profile, dark colouration and cow-like horns, the safari first-timer can be forgiven for confusing it with the much larger buffalo. The Great Migration is a natural phenomenon that only started in the 1960s. Blue wildebeests weigh 260 to 595 lbs. They will move toward the west when sources of food and water become scarce. 2. 10. Wildebeests are part of the antelope class known as the “bovidae”. The black wildebeest, also called the white-tailed gnu, weighs 242 to 346 lbs. The Blue Wildebeest, a grazing herd animal has achieved fame as the key player in the Serengeti’s ‘Great Migration’, which is routinely described as the greatest animal show on earth. 2nd April 2019. Wildebeest looks like a close relative of a bovine because of its disproportional body. Both males and females have curved horns. This is a huge area covering parts or all of Kenya, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Swaziland, South Africa, and Angola. The word wildebeest comes from the Afrikaans language and translates to wild beast. The animals travel a total of 800km or more during each cycle. The Great Migration is the largest in the world. They live in the plains and open woodlands in southern Africa.The biggest herds can be found in the Serengeti. In Kenya the migration stretches to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, bordering Serengeti National Park in the north. It can reach 8 feet in length, 4.5 feet in height and weight up to 600 pounds. All travel bookings processed through this website are financially protected by Trust My Travel. It boasts a diversity of plants and animals that is unavailable anywhere else on the globe. Another name for the wildebeest is gnu (pronounced “new”). They will urinate and defecate to mark their breeding territory and to keep other males away. Est. Hindquarters are slender, just like in other antelopes. (118 to 270 kilograms) and are about 4 feet (123 centimeters) in length, according to the University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web (ADW). Interesting Facts about Wildebeest . The blue wildebeest, or brindled gnu, gather in herds of more than a thousand animals and travel between watering holes. Interesting Wildebeest Facts: Wildebeest is one of the largest antelopes. They are always moving and never stay in one place for too long. The black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) or white-tailed gnu, is one of the two closely related wildebeest species. Between January and March, half a million wildebeest are born each year in the Serengeti. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The wildebeest, also known as the gnu, is a large antelope measuring between 45 and 55 inches at the shoulder and... Wildebeests measure between 5 and 8 feet in length and have a tail length of 14 to 22 inches. During the migration around 250,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebra are killed off every year as a result of predation by carnivores, but also from thirst, hunger, and exhaustion. ... Wildebeest spend, on average, 53% of their time resting (32% lying down and 21% standing). It Is The Largest Overland Migration In The World This spectacular wild-show in which millions of wildebeest and... 2. 5. They prefer life in green plains and open woodlands. Pack of rogue domestic dogs chase animals in Kruger, CEO note: ‘Problem’ lions + Africa’s 11 dog species, Elephant hunting – Botswana grants 287 licenses, Photographer of the Year 2021 Weekly Selection: Week 12, Translocating lions does not reduce conflict – research. Blue wildebeest or brindled gnu (Connochaetes taurinus); Black wildebeest or white-tailed gnu (Connochaetes gnou); Size. A few weeks too early / late and a few kilometres off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. Wildebeest is one of the largest antelopes. There are two species, black wildebeests and blue wildebeests. Wildebeest has a mane just like horse. As you might have guessed, the wildebeest reside in Africa. With the greatest population in the Serengeti-Mara area of Tanzania and Kenya. The wildebeest is an antelope within the genus Connochaetes with many useful, fun, and interesting facts. Be inspired & stay informed about Africa. Migratory group consists of 1.5 millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands associated animals, such as zebras and Thompson's gazelles. In February, the month with the highest calving rate, around 8,000 wildebeest are born each day. They are very fast, agile, and powerful. Blue Wildebeest got name as their coat has a blue sheen. When and where to go in Africa, and with whom. There are around 1.5 million living in the Serengeti alone! There are tons of people coming to Tanzania each year at the time of this “Great Migration” to witness the largest migration of the world. 1. The blue gnu, also called common wildebeest, has dark vertical stripes on the shoulders and back. Gnus are the largest of all antelopes. They are able to walk as soon as they are born, so they can keep up with the herds! There are more than 3,000 lions currently living in the Serengeti ecosystem that follow the migratory herds across the reserve. 7. However, they do not migrate in the same impressive fashion as the blue wildebeest. Wildebeest is a grazer. The Wildebeest belongs to the animals known as antelope. Pregnancy lasts 8.5 months and it ends with a single baby. Although the migrations occur in a clockwise cycle between Tanzania and Kenya, most of the movement takes place in Tanzania – Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Loliondo Game Controlled Area, and Grumeti Reserve. Here are some interesting facts to help bring you a little closer to this natural wonder of the world. The Wildebeest is one of the fastest runners in Southern Africa. Tailored safari specialists. Wildebeest can live up to 20 years in wild. Between January and March, half a million wildebeest are born each year in the Serengeti. The Wildebeest (genus Connochaetes), also called a Gnu, is an ungulate mammal found in Southern Kenya, South Angola to north south Africa. The wildebeest (/ ˈ w ɪ l d ɪ b iː s t / WIL-dib-eest, / ˈ v ɪ l-/ VIL-, /-d ə b-/, plural wildebeest or wildebeests), also called the gnu (/ nj uː / NEW or / n uː / NOO), is an antelope in the genus Connochaetes.It belongs to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and other even-toed horned ungulates. The wildebeest’s size and power is impressive, and this power grows when the animals are in groups of more than 50. 1. And wouldn’t that be a pity? It is note a must that all wildebeests do the migration, the blue wildebeests make small groups which comprise of … Milk-based diet will be enriched with grass 10 days after birth. The Great Migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,00 zebra and a host of other antelope travelling cross... 2. Wildebeest Don’t Have Any Natural Leader Now, that is one of the interesting facts about wildebeest migration. are as follows: Fact 1 - Definition: The Wildebeest is also called the Gnu. Search for your ideal safari here, or contact an Africa Geographic safari consultant to plan your dream vacation. Fun Facts for Kids Black wildebeests were first discovered in the northern part of South Africa in the 1800s. The Great Migration is the largest overland migration in the world. 8. These groups are further divided in several smaller groups, where the most dominant male performs different kind of antics to impress the females. Subscribe to enjoy more stories like this – join our tribe. The reason why zebra and wildebeest graze in harmony together is because they each eat different parts of the same type of grass. 80% of calves are born during the same 2-3 week period, just before rainy season. 10 Great Facts about The Great Wildebeest Migration. … Amazingly, about 80 percent of the females calve within the same 2- to 3- week period, creating a glut for predators and thus enabling more calves to survive the crucial first few weeks. 4. For a more detailed description of the great wildebeest migration, including a detailed month-by-month diary, read The Great Migration Explained. The Great Migration is the joint longest mammal migration on Earth. Another interesting facts is that they are one of the few African Antelopes to have extended in the last 50 years. A crocodile can lunge more than half of its body length out of the water to grab a potential victim and can also use its tail as a secondary weapon. It eats mainly short grass. Blue Wildebeest facts The blue wildebeests are in five different species and it can be differentiated by their size plus colouration. 10 Interesting Facts About the Great Migration. The Serengeti National Park eco-system is the oldest on the planet. Interesting & Amazing Information On Wildebeest At present, the population of white bearded gnu has increased from around 100,000 animals in 1950 to a massive 1.5 million. Life in herd provides protection against predators. Blue Wildebeest got name as their coat has a blue sheen. Wildebeest can reach 80 km/h (50 mph) and are one of the fastest antelope species in Africa. Interesting Facts About The Annual Great Wildebeest Migration World’s largest concentrated migration of wildlife traveling over 800 km on an annual journey. Safari company They are widespread in many areas of Africa. Most are born in mid-February, when approximately 8,000 wildebeest are born every day for about three weeks. Wildebeest is also known as gnu. Migrations are one of the most fascinating phenomena that can be seen in Africa. In fact, the wildebeest is better described as a reliable source of food for the truly menacing predators of the African savanna: lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas. Publisher The common name of this species "gnu" is said to have originated from the Hottentot name t'gnu, which refers to the... Black wildebeests can run at speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph). Calves (babies) are able to walk as soon as they are born. ... Free State and the Drakensberg area have been restocked with these interesting antelope. Wildebeests live in central, eastern and southern parts of Africa. There are around 1.5 million living in the Serengeti alone! While the migration may seem like a chaotic frenzy of movement, research has shown a herd of wildebeest possess what is known as ‘swarm intelligence’, where the wildebeest systematically explore and overcome an obstacle as one. Wildebeest needs to drink water at least every other day. Interesting and educational wild facts from Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve: Common / Blue Wildebeest (Gnu) Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. 4) Wildebeest Calves Can Walk Minutes … It is a member of the genus Connochaetes and family Bovidae.It was first described in 1780 by Eberhard August Wilhelm von Zimmermann.The black wildebeest is typically 170–220 cm (67–87 in) in head-and-body length, and the typical weight is 110–180 kg (240–400 lb). They can be between 4 and 5 feet tall and weigh as much as 600 pounds. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. 3. We're the Africa Geographic editorial team – a diverse set of writers, editors, designers and social media natives, all united by our passion for this addictive continent. Because wildebeest have no natural leader, the migrating herd often splits up into smaller herds that circle the main, mega-herd, going in different directions. Timing of migration is determined by weather conditions, but it usually takes place during the May and June. Wildebeest are antelopes and belong to the bovidae family […] There are 2 species of wildebeest which are the Black Wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) and the Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), both are native to Africa. They numbered about 250,000 in 1960 and are thought to number 1.5 million today. The males weigh more than the females. Wildebeest is a mammal that belongs to the family of antelopes. The black wildebeest is now only found in game reserves and on some farms. We publish inspiring and thought-provoking stories and photo galleries about African wildlife and safaris for our sophisticated international community. Gnu calves can stand and run within 3 to 7 minutes of being born. This biological family includes cloven-hoofed animals that also participate in the great migration such as kudus, eland, sable, impala and gazelles. Top Tens Special Interests When To Go Blog Trip Ideas Trip Reviews Guide clinic ... Zebra and wildebeest graze in harmony together because they each eat different parts of the same type of grass. Photo Galleries, Photographer of the Year, Decoding science, Human-wildlife conflict. Wildebeests are not listed as endangered animals. Here are 10 fascinating Great Migration facts you might not know: 1. When considering these smaller, split herds the whole migration can cover over half of the whole Serengeti. Genus Connochaetes. Males also attract females by rubbing a scent (produced in the preorbital and interdigital gland) into the ground. They are widespread in many areas of Africa. The Great Migration refers to the continuous movement of vast numbers of wildebeest accompanied by large numbers of zebras and gazelles searching for food and water between Tanzania and Kenya. Wildebeest grow to 1.15 to 1.40 metres (at the shoulder) and they weigh between 150 and 250 kilograms when they are fully grown. Wild facts about wildebeest The might not be pretty but both wildebeest species are fascinating creatures. Contrary to popular belief, the wildebeest migration has a competitor for duration. It has large, box-shaped head, and strongly built front part of the body. A few weeks too early / late or a few kilometers off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. 7. 9. 6. 1991. Bespoke safaris and stories. Wildebeest live in large herds, composed of animals of both sex and their offspring. Wildebeest Facts: One of the iconic actions that take place on the magical land of Tanzania since decades is the “Great Wildebeest Migration”. In this article, I am going to talk about wildebeest profile, facts, migration, animal, face, skull, predators, etc. Click here to receive our stories and photo galleries via email. The crocodiles awaiting the herds in the Mara River drown their prey by clutching them in their strong jaws and pulling them below the water, twisting them to break off bite-size pieces. Half a million wildebeest calves are born each year in the Southern Serengeti at the start of the yearly migration cycle, between January and March. Female gives birth in the middle of the herd. Calves will suckle during the first four months of their life. 3. Wildebeest females give birth to a single calf in the middle of the herd, not seeking a secluded place, as do many antelopes. They often graze in mixed herds with zebra, which gives heightened awareness of potential predators. The black wildebeest has forward-facing horns and is smaller than the blue wildebeest. Few days after birth, babies can run with the rest of the herd. Blog Home All Categories Posted In Specialist Holidays . 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